Fated Hope

by Sariah Skye

  “Of course, but first we have a traditional ceremony we’d like to perform with you if you do not mind,” the princess insisted. “It’s for friendship.”

  I clenched my teeth behind my close-lipped smile. “Of course!” I said, feigning cheer. I hoped my crankiness at the idea wasn’t apparent.

  If it was, they pretended not to notice.

  My grandfather took the lead, leading them towards the dining area. Gabriel and I brought up the rear.

  I exchanged a glance with Gabriel as we followed. “If this is the kind of thing Maxx has been dealing with, it’s no wonder he’s losing his mind.”

  Gabriel laughed. “Now now Leo..remember. Diplomacy!”

  “Diplomacy my ass…” I grumbled, but put on my happiest face and followed them, anxious to get the ‘tea ceremony’ under way. And over.

  Chapter 34

  “I just don’t know if I can take much more of this!” Maxxus cried helplessly at his reflection in the mirror. He wrinkled his nose at his abnormally disheveled appearance. Even after a shower at his mate’s insistence, he still looked like hell: darkness pooled under his eyes, his cheeks remained pale, his pupils dilated and shrunk uneasily.

  Maxxus shook, rubbing his growing beard with a trembling hand. “This is the most unbelievably hard thing I’ve ever had to go through!”

  He sighed sadly. He pressed his mouth into a thin line, poking with his fingers at the worn lines—the frown lines—that had begun to form. He squinted, the laugh lines around his eyes more pronounced than before, only not from laughter. From sadness.

  Maxxus shook his head, reaching for a hairbrush that Leorah kept on the vanity. He slowly worked it through his damp hair, slicking it backwards on his scalp. He grimaced. Pulling the hair away from his face made him appear older, more shockingly distraught.

  It was no secret that Maxxus wasn’t doing well. His dreams had been crushed out from under him. Everything he ever hoped for vanished when she said the words: “We can’t have kids.”

  He didn’t think he’d take the news so hard. “Is anyone really prepared for it, though?” He asked his reflection. He didn’t know; it wasn’t something that happened to dragons often. But from what he gathered from Finnian, and the humans—Daniel and Gabriel—it happened all the time for humans. The news of being barren—and that’s basically what they were now, he and Leorah—would cause depression and stress in even the strongest of couples.

  “Even when I forgot my memories, I still thought of her. I pictured giving her a loving home, the peace she deserved,” he said sadly. He scowled at himself. “Gods, you look like shit.”

  A single tear fell from his clouded eyes and down his face. “She was so sad, but trying so hard to be brave. Who does that? Who can keep it together at a time like that?”

  She did. While you were here, pouting. She went and met delegates, healed Courtmembers. All you did was make jewelry.

  Maxxus winced at the thought. His voice quavered, as he said, with desperation into the mirror, “She deserves much better than me. She deserves a family. Happiness. The sorcerer could give her that—he would have, had I not gotten in the way.”

  “You know what you must do.” A mysterious, yet familiar sounding voice, with no source said.

  Maxxus’ eyes darkened briefly. “Yes. I do.” He stared intently at his reflection, as if trying to see something that wasn’t there, when the door to his bedchambers opened up.

  “Ugggh!”

  I stumbled in the bedroom, groaning with relief as I fell through the door. “Ugggh, seriously. Tea ceremony? If I wasn’t queen, I would have told them where to shove their tea!”

  Maxxus ripped himself away from his reflection, forcing a smile. “What now?”

  I waved him off, dismissive. “A friendship tea ceremony by the delegates from Zyanhei. I mean, it was nice, but, I seriously am so zonked, I barely made it through.”

  Maxxus gazed at me with sympathy. “Oh, darling Leorah…I’m so sorry to make you go through all that. I just…needed some time.”

  I shook my head. “It’s okay. I really was happy to stay busy. Dwelling just wasn’t making me feel any better. I even liked the Zyanhei-ans, I just wish we could have done the tea thing later. Like in the morning, after a full night sleep. Prayers and tea and uggh. Just glad it’s done.”

  “It’s impressive you were able to mend fences with them,” Maxxus said in approval.

  “We mended fences,” I maintained. “I couldn’t have done anything without you.”

  Maxxus’ gaze drifted away. “Yeah, well…”

  I stepped towards him, eyeing him carefully as he looked down at his hands, folded over each other on the vanity. The sadness on his face appeared to age him further than his years.

  I grazed my fingers over his jawline and cupped his chin. “Maxx…please talk to me.”

  Sighing, he slowly turned, looking at me with wounded eyes. “I just feel so helpless.”

  I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and rested my forehead against his cheek. “It may not be hopeless yet. There may still be…ways.”

  Maxxus’ expression perked. “Maybe. But why does it have to be so hard? Can’t one thing just go easy for us?”

  I shrugged. “I know, I feel the same way,” I said in a small voice.

  Maxxus stood, while positioning me in front of him. He grazed a hand down my cheek. “I just want you to be happy. You know that?”

  “I know.” I nuzzled my face against his hand, before gently kissing his open palm.

  Maxxus growled lowly from the back of his throat. His eyes went heavy, a seductive smile playing across his lips.

  I grinned, placing my hand on his abdomen. He gasped at my touch, as both of my hands searched his hips for the hem of his shirt, my fingers grazing dangerously low on his waist. He tensed. “What’s wrong?” I asked playfully, finding the hem, and slowly pushing my hands upwards on his waist, towards his lean, muscular chest.

  He clutched my hands through the shirt, all while giving me a look that was half cautious, half suggestive; one corner of his mouth upturned as the other opposite brow dipped downward. “Are you sure it’s safe? It won’t hurt you?”

  I snorted. “I don’t think so. I feel fine. Physically.”

  “What about emotionally?” he questioned.

  I smirked. “I’ll feel a lot better once we get these clothes off.”

  Maxxus bit his lip, stifling a growl, but didn’t protest as I pushed the shirt over his bare chest; he pulled it the rest of the way off, tossing it to the floor.

  I stepped back slightly to admire the broadness of his chest and shoulders, and the rust-hued silken hair as it dotted over his tense pectorals, leading down his flat stomach and under the black cotton pants, that hung low on his hips.

  I pressed a hand to the heart-shaped scar that remained on his hip, tracing the outline with my finger gently. “I still can’t believe I almost lost you,” I whispered quietly.

  “You would have been fine; you have the sorcerer,” Maxxus said, a hint of dismay in his voice.

  I placed a kiss on his chest, right over his heart as it hastened its beat. “He’s not you, Maxx.” I looked up at him, ferally. Feeling playful, I lowered myself to my knees, placing a trail of kisses down his stomach, to the waistband of his pants.

  He groaned as I stroked the length of him, through the soft cotton. It wasn’t long before clearly, he was ready to go.

  “Leo…” He grasped me by the shoulders and pulled me upward, the expression on his face predatory as his mouth sought out my lips hungrily. “Let me touch you…”

  My breath caught as he carefully unfastened the jeweled clasp of my robes, pushing them to the side as they fell to the ground. Underneath all I wore was the tank and yoga pants I’d pulled on earlier before leaving the bed chambers. I didn’t even remember forgetting to put on a bra; my breasts peaking under the heat of his body, so close to mine.

  His mouth placed firm kisses over my jaw, down my neck,
his tongue tracing a path to the soft spot behind my ear. My head lolled back and I moaned, feeling the heat build inside.

  Maxxus’ hand was possessive as he massaged up my arm, over my neck and found the clip that carefully held up my hair. He removed it carefully, throwing it on the vanity, his fists grasping at my neckline, forcefully pulling me into him.

  His breath quickened, moving back to kiss me passionately. I parted my lips for him and his velvet tongue brushed against mine, over and over while one hand stroked at my hair down my back, the other pushing his fingertips into my skin, pulling me closer to him, as if inches away was still too far.

  I sighed into his mouth, wrapping my arms around his waist and pushing the pants down lower on his waist, his thighs until finally, he was free from the cotton constraints. I cupped his firm behind and pulled him even closer to me, growling lowly, almost purring as he continued mastering my mouth with feverish kisses.

  The heat built up inside with every touch, every kiss and caress; the tension between my legs was almost unbearable. I gently caught his bottom lip between my teeth and bit.

  Maxxus’ head rolled to the side, releasing my lips as he moaned. I laughed seductively, gently biting at his collarbone, his shoulder.

  His head whipped up, blue eyes darkened with feral lust. “I can’t take this anymore,” he panted. And with a few quick motions, he yanked my top over my head, freeing my taut breasts and pulling off my pants and undies, flinging them all to the ground.

  “Please,” I said, breathless. “Just take me.”

  Maxxus moaned. “Yes, darling Leorah…I will. Just… let me look at you.” His eyes trailed with predatory intent over my body. Normally, I’d feel uncomfortable under such scrutiny, but I could tell from the dilating of his pupils and his risen length that he liked what he saw. I stepped backward slowly, beckoning him with a finger as I perched on the bed, opening my legs ever so slightly for him. I drew my finger back, and slowly trailed a path over my neck, between my breasts and over my soft stomach.

  “You are so beautiful,” he said, his gaze following my touch.

  I smiled suggestively at him, sliding backwards on the bed, admiring him as well.

  Even tired, he was still the most beautiful male I’d ever seen. He smirked, his eyes crinkling gently at the corners of his eyes; it seemed to brighten his face rather than mar it in any way. He was mature…handsome and utterly gorgeous. And mine. “So are you.”

  Maxxus quirked a grin. He sauntered forward with predatory intent and slid his body between my legs and around my waist.

  “I want you, Maxx,” I whispered breathily into his ear, as he passionately kissed my neck, the top of my spine. One of his hands slid downwards to grip my ass, the other upwards, finding the swell of my breast as he kneaded gently. I gasped, burying my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling his earthy scent which just made me want him more. “Please…”

  “Soon Leo. Soon. I want to savor this,” he said softly, pushing me down on the bed and positioning himself over me.

  And savor, he did. He tickled and taunted my body, bringing me to the brink and relenting, and bringing me back again, trailing kisses over every inch of my body; his touch so velvet, so gentle as a warm summer’s breeze. His tongue and mouth gently sucked and paid homage to both breasts before pathing downwards to the wetness between my legs.

  I moaned and panted, begging for him to sheath himself inside me, to allow the heat to build and explode finally but, he was insistent on slow. Every time I urged him with my body, ground into him harder or hintingly, he would slow down, his eyes teasing as he tormented my body deliciously.

  When we finally made love instead of being as furious and passionate as I wanted, he was slow, and careful. He kissed me every so often, staring deeply into my eyes as if trying to memorize them. Finally, when the heat was too much, I came undone around him, and him moments later.

  I cried out with pleasure as I clenched around him and panted heavily. He remained poised on top of me for a few moments, eyeing my face carefully.

  “You know I love you, right?” Maxxus voice was earnest as he spoke.

  Feeling breathless, I nodded. “I know Maxx.”

  “Everything I do—it’s for you. You know that right?” he said.

  I raised a brow slightly. “Maxxus, I know that but what are you talking about—” I began to question, as he began thrusting once more. I guess he wasn’t done after all. This time he was feverish, hastened in his pace. We both cried out, I scratched my nails on his arms and over his back as I reached my peak again. He roared through his and we both fell into bed, utterly exhausted.

  I could barely keep my eyes open as I lay on the bed, his warm body glistening with sweat as I rested my head on his shoulder.

  I barely heard him say, “Everything has always been for you,” as I drifted off into a deep, sated sleep.

  Chapter 35

  The preparation for the party—now being dubbed the Peace Ball—began early the next morning, probably before Maxxus and I awoke. The energy of the castle thrummed through the walls and down the corridors. Clearly, it was a highly-anticipated event. By most, that is.

  However, I could care less. Even growing up as a small drake, royal events always made me uncomfortable. One could only take so many glares, stares, and snickers before one had enough.

  Now that my memories were intact, I accurately remembered Maxxus being there for many a holiday, glaring right back at someone when my feelings were hurt, or offering a rude gesture. In my sleepy daze, I could almost picture us, running in and out of the halls in our adolescent drake forms, teasing and mocking the party-goers and Court members. Until my grandfather would admonish us with a steely-eyed stare; causing us to retreat for the balcony of the throne room where we’d hide in a corner.

  I chuckled at the thought.

  “What?”

  I was still in bed, blankets and quilts wrapped around my naked body, messy hair spread over the pillow. I opened one eye to see Maxxus on his side, his hand propping up his head, elbow resting on his pillow, the quilt only pulled up to his waist. He was watching me silently.

  “What are you doing?” I questioned, feeling exposed under his strong gaze.

  “Just waiting for you to get up,” he said, not removing his eyes from my face as he spoke. “What were you laughing at?”

  “Was that out loud? I was just thinking of when we were young, and we’d hide in the balcony away from the Court,” I explained fondly. “Don’t suppose there’s any way we’ll get away with that today, huh?”

  Maxxus smiled lazily. He reached out, fingering a long strand of my strawberry-streaked locks, and gently stroking it behind my back. “No, I don’t think we can. In fact, I’m surprise we haven’t been summoned already. It’s nearly ten o’clock.”

  “Kiarra insisted the king and queen were not party planners; we just had to show up and ‘look pretty’. Make everyone feel better, I guess,” I said with a shrug. With my hands, I pulled myself up to a sitting position, making sure the blanket was still covering me. Not because I was embarrassed, but because it was cold. Shivering gently, I flicked a hand open, summoned a small spark, and tossed it into the fireplace. With my other hand, I summoned a small gust of air and slowly waved it at the smoldering log. After a moment, a proper fire began.

  “You’re such a natural, now,” Maxxus praised. “An affinity for all the elements so to speak—such a rare gift indeed.”

  I raised a brow. I never heard him speak of my magic in such a way. “Gift for who? It’s been a pain.”

  His eyes enlarged ever so quickly. “I mean, besides the obvious. I really can’t understand why the Shadows haven’t been more active in pursuing you.”

  “Isn’t that a good thing?” I asked.

  “Well, yes but—their absence is concerning. What are they up to?” Maxxus sighed, sitting up and turning away. “Whatever it is, it’s got to be big.”

  “Probably because they know there isn’t anyth
ing that would get me over to their side,” I said, with defiance.

  “Is that true, though? Look what you did for Kit,” Maxxus reminded me, with a glance over his broad shoulder. He twisted himself around and kissed me gently on the cheek before pulling away abruptly, holding his head in his hands.

  “Maxxus?” I reached out and touched his shoulder; his skin was clammy and he shuddered when I touched him.

  He quickly stood up, crossing the room part way. He took a deep breath, the muscles in his back raising and falling slowly before he turned back to me. “I’m sorry. Just a bit of a headache I think. Stress.”

  My forehead crinkled with confusion. “Stress?”

  “Well, yes. Did the amulets fully work? Will everyone be healed? Is Finnian ever going to figure out this baby thing? When are the Shadows finally going to appear?” Maxxus pulled on a set of robes, slung over the vanity table chair. Fastening them over his body, he spun around, his expression troubled. “Would you go over if the Shadows stole a loved one?”

  I snapped my fingers. “Like that.”

  Maxxus appeared thoughtful. “What if that loved one went over voluntarily?”

  I winced at the idea. “Who would do that?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. What if Kiarra felt guilt over what happened to her grandfather, and went over to retrieve Cyril? What if she thought she could save him?”

  I blinked, processing his question for a moment. “I guess if she thought that, she’d have a very good reason to think that, and probably would have a lot of help in doing so.”

  “So, you don’t think it’d be futile? You think she could get him out?” Maxxus asked, genuinely curious.

  “Cyril?” I snorted. “No. There’s no hope for him.”

  “What if it was…Braeden who went over?”

  “Why would he go over? I don’t get why you’re asking me this stuff, Maxx. Are you okay?” I asked, disturbed at the idea of anyone voluntarily going over to the Shadow realm.

  Maxxus’ brow furrowed, before he grinned awkwardly. “Of course I am okay. It was just a thought.” He scoffed. “I’m going to take a shower. That should help my head.” He kneaded his forehead with his fingertips, and disappeared into the shower, locking the door behind him.